
5.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Southern China Kills Two, Causes Building Collapses
Abcnews.com
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Monday, May 18, 2026
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Jingxi, Baise, Guangxi, China
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Guangxi region of southern China, causing significant damage and prompting a large-scale rescue operation. The quake, centered in Jingxi county, led to the collapse of buildings and the evacuation of thousands of residents. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and providing assistance to those affected. The earthquake has already claimed the lives of two people and caused 13 buildings to collapse, according to initial reports. ## Latest Update The most recent reports confirm that the earthquake occurred on Sunday at 11:55 a.m. local time. Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas, with authorities working to provide aid and support to the evacuated population. ## Timeline * **2026-05-18T06:05:03Z:** Reports indicate a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Guangxi region killed two people and caused 13 buildings to collapse, triggering a major rescue effort. * **2026-05-18T07:03:29Z:** A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck southern China, causing over a dozen buildings to collapse, killing at least two. * **2026-05-18T07:29:50Z:** A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Guangxi region, killing two people and toppling buildings. Over 7,000 people were evacuated, and 38 houses collapsed. Rescue work is underway. ## What to Watch * **Aftershocks:** Monitor for potential aftershocks, which could further destabilize damaged structures and hinder rescue efforts. * **Infrastructure Damage:** Assess the impact on critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks, as this could impede aid delivery and recovery efforts. * **Humanitarian Needs:** Evaluate the needs of the affected population, including shelter, food, water, and medical assistance, to ensure an effective response.